With a loss to Hopkins, and a lackluster performance against Sturm, De la Hoya must really consider if he wishes to continue prize fighting. With so many things on his plate by way of a promotions company, and reality TV shows, De la Hoya must decide when and how he will hang up his gloves. The Golden Boy looked strong on Saturday night. Many may disagree. He was well conditioned, both physically and mentally. He showed up a game and aggressive opponent. DLH did not run, as many said he would. Hopkins started slow, contrary to what many expected. Disappointment still lingers over the fact that DLH did not heed Mayweather’s directions to use the left hook-straight right combination. De la Hoya should have forced Hopkins to come forward, relying upon his counter punching abilities. The East L.A. native once again did not make the necessary adjustments when the momentum in the fight shifted.

Prior to the seventh, Oscar was getting off first, firing jabs and overhand rights, and keeping the Executioner out of sync. By the seventh, Hopkins became more and more aggressive. He was able to get in closer range of Oscar, and began landing the lead right and left hook with frequency. The size and strength advantage began to emerge. It would prove to be too much when in the 9th, Hopkins landed the punch that trainers talk about. Any trainer will tell you, ‘it’s the punch that you don’t see coming that will knock you out.’ De la Hoya would be stopped in the ninth, long before the final round. This is the first such occurrence in Oscar’s career.